so i refined my original persuasive essay into a college research paper that i turned into my english professor who then turned it over to some board of committee members im not sure.. anyways this is it. sorry if the amount of text is obnoxious
The topic of drugs encompasses the everyday lifestyle of society in
America today. Drugs come in many forms which range from chocolate and caffeine, to the cannabis plant, all the way to powders and pills. All illegal drugs today were once legal, and almost any legal drug can still be harmful if not used in a regulated amount. (Marijuana) In effect, if marijuana were to become a legally regulated drug, it is very improbable to cause extreme adverse effects to American society.
Marijuana has been rooted in the earth since the dawn of time. It has been as much part of our history as we have. Many ancient religions have included marijuana in rituals and beliefs. The Hindi god Shiva was said to have endowed men with marijuana for happiness. In Shintoism, cannabis was used at wedding ceremonies and was believed to bring laughter and happiness to marriage. The Buddha himself, Siddhartha Gautama, was said to have solely ingested and used hemp and hemp seed for 6 years before discovering and announcing the Eightfold Path. (Cannabis Religion)
Cannabis has thus become integrated in the lives of countless individuals throughout history and will probably be a part of human history until the end. Whether the users’ reasons are medicinal, spiritual, religious, or recreational, marijuana has been a huge aspect of humanity. Complete legalization may never be a reality, but it is important for lawmakers to acknowledge the history, and the probable continuation of its use.
In many ways, marijuana can be compared to less tabooed drugs like alcohol, tobacco, or caffeine. Caffeine is a natural ingredient and sold in various forms to give adults a heightened level of focus and alertness. However, studies have shown that caffeine causes certain problems such as: nausea, irritability, muscle spasms, and even effects on male and female fertility. Caffeine effects the heart, cholesterol, blood pressure, bone density (which is linked to a risk of fractures), and mood changes. Even despite caffeine’s link to certain cancers, it is still very much legal and consumed daily. (Caffeine) If such a product can be used for its invigorating properties, there should be little or no defense for the complete prohibition of marijuana. Studies have found that certain chemicals in chocolate “target the same brain receptor system that is targeted by marijuana.” (Positive)
Cannabis is a natural ingredient which can be consumed in various different ways, and like caffeine it can have both positive and negative effects on the body.
Alcohol is regulated, but it is still somewhat uncontrollable. Deadly, reckless driving, domestic violence, liver damage, and other adverse health risks still occur due to the consumption of alcohol anyways. The regulation of marijuana has been used to solely benefit medicinal users. Even in ancient times, cannabis was used for gastrointestinal problems, sleep disorders, headaches and even as a way to alleviate pain during childbirth. Queen Victoria was even prescribed marijuana to alleviate the pain of menstrual cramps. (Menstrual) Up until the 1800s in America, cannabis extracts were used in over-the-counter pain relievers. While trying to detect marijuana intoxication in a person, researchers discovered the use of cannabis helped reduce pressure in the eyes of glaucoma patients. Sufferers of Multiple Sclerosis have reported restful nights after smoking the plant, and muscle spasms are hindered. (Positive)
Vietnam veterans have reported the use of marijuana to prevent the muscle spasms which accompanied battle wounds. (Medical) Even still, medicinal marijuana card holders are not completely free to use it.
“Compared to other widely used drugs (alcohol, tobacco, opiates) a smaller percentage of cannabis users become dependent.” (Dependence) If regulations were set, users could enjoy marijuana responsibly. In an ideal world of equality, someone smoking a joint should be able to relax and rejuvenate their mind just as someone drinking a cup of coffee can do.
When used responsibly, pot can have a very positive impact on society.
There is no proven correlation between criminals and use of marijuana. It's biased to assume one causes the other because there is a definite lack of hard data. Quite contrary to this, are the speculations considering marijuana as a way to reduce violent crime and aggressive behavior in individuals. In fact, studies show that the subject users were far less inclined towards aggression. (Cannabis and Aggression)
Consider a coffee house in
Amsterdam. The Dutch government allows controlled marijuana use in appropriate locations. At certain coffee shops, paying costumers can purchase weed along with a selection of food and beverages. If it is allowed in the shop, said consumer can then enjoy smoking marijuana or responsibly ingesting "space cakes" (to say to use it responsibly is a disclaimer because they are incredibly potent and the Dutch government is frustrated with people inadvertently getting too high from space cakes). The atmosphere is friendly; the customers vary in ages and culture. Strangers usually bond over a similar passion and partake in a stimulating conversation. There is a certain morality to this activity when compared to the real worldly dangers such as terrorism or pedophiles that haunt us.
Marijuana use is a lifestyle and a subculture in itself. The Woodstock Music and Art Festival originally held in 1969 was a 3 day festival where half a million people gathered in
New York. The numerous attendants were generally believed to be using marijuana. One man accounted an experience of smoking weed with the local cops who were there as concert security. (Marijuana) Despite minor bad behavior of some, it was an overall peaceful, life-changing experience for almost every attendee.
Woodstock veterans reminisce on the feeling of harmony which stayed intact during the whole event. Overall, the use marijuana created a relaxed atmosphere in which all patrons could enjoy together.(Woodstock) This historic event has spawned similar festivals such as the Woodstock Film Festival, which is held in the same area of
New York as the original Woodstock Festival was. Many particiate in this occasion.
“Everyone is out and about to soak up the atmosphere, experience the vibe and meet people.” (Werthamer) Many attribute the use of cannabis with how much of an influence the festival has been since its conception.
Marijuana has either spawned or had a huge impact on different genres of music like jazz, rock, acid rock, hip hop and. There are a plethora of marijuana users in the entertainment industry like Woody Harrelson, Jack Black, Dennis Hopper, Drew Barrymore, and the marijuana-based acting of Cheech Marin and Tommy Chong who have both received awards for their work. All around the world there are competitions celebrating different strains of cannabis; published books which advocate marijuana legalization and even cook books experimenting with the smooth taste marijuana gives certain recipes. To try and entirely eradicate this culture would be a loss to society and the arts.
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